Does the Thickness of Your Oil Matter? | Engine Masters FULL EPISODE | MotorTrend

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  • čas přidán 31. 07. 2023
  • With so many oil weights and combinations on the market, the crew sets out to show how different weights behave, perform and react inside your engine under operating conditions. While it only scratches the surface, expect a primer on oil weights and how differing weights affect horsepower, pressure and resilience to temperature.
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  • Auta a dopravní prostředky

Komentáře • 753

  • @MotorTrendWatch
    @MotorTrendWatch  Před 10 měsíci +43

    What surprised you most about these tests?

    • @scotthultin7769
      @scotthultin7769 Před 10 měsíci +2

      At the dragstrip running to naturally acid on greasing gas change the oil every third pass
      An extremely good day I could change the oil or 4 times

    • @littlebustersoysters9229
      @littlebustersoysters9229 Před 10 měsíci +11

      I am most surprised that Amsoil didn't sponsor it. I just switched over to Amsoil in my truck, lobsterboat and skiff. Now I have to switch to this new oil.

    • @dondagy9109
      @dondagy9109 Před 10 měsíci +6

      That the thicker oil did better, because of the things you stated, and we all know by less power is needed to turn a thinner oiled motor, yet didnt make more power. Im not no huge horsepower guy, always floating in the 400-500 hp range in my cars, but ive built all my own motors, and since it came out, ive always just run the straight 50 weight vr1 valvoline.

    • @equipmentjockey
      @equipmentjockey Před 10 měsíci +6

      That heavy oil helps ring seal. Interesting episode

    • @chrisfin1921
      @chrisfin1921 Před 10 měsíci

      What makes conclude that that ring seal was better with the thicker oil .... was blow-by measured ?? I would have thought that more "leakage" from the thinner oil would mean more parasitic drag inside the engine .... ??

  • @Ragnarok1979
    @Ragnarok1979 Před 10 měsíci +383

    You should always base your oil viscosity choice on your bearing clearances, regardless of power. A few hp isn't worth accelerated wearing bearings

    • @Resistculturaldecline
      @Resistculturaldecline Před 10 měsíci +40

      Yes, and oil temp.

    • @Ragnarok1979
      @Ragnarok1979 Před 10 měsíci +19

      @@Resistculturaldecline you're right. Should have mentioned this as well.

    • @Resistculturaldecline
      @Resistculturaldecline Před 10 měsíci +7

      @@Ragnarok1979 I know whatcha mean, I'm just going for my cheap brownie-points. 😉

    • @carbineZDH1
      @carbineZDH1 Před 10 měsíci +16

      Unless you are not building an engine to last but an engine to win at whatever it may be.every little bit counts somtimes.

    • @chestrockwell8328
      @chestrockwell8328 Před 10 měsíci +17

      Which bearing clearance ? Crank caps? Cam bearings, connection rod to crank? Each has different clearances; which is prioritized ?

  • @recrdholdr
    @recrdholdr Před 10 měsíci +36

    I'm not surprised at all. We run Competition Eliminator and years ago on the dyno we switched out the 30-weight break-in oil for Royal Purple #9 (aka pro stock oil) and lost 20hp. Put the break-in oil back in and picked it right back up. Ring seal is king!

  • @timunderwood4314
    @timunderwood4314 Před 10 měsíci +8

    I did a study of oil viscosity versus engine wear. It was suggested by some engineers in Detroit at their customer training school. They said that thicker oil would provide a little better protraction from dirt in the oil. I was looking at a big heavy piece of industrial equipment used around the clock on a schedule. The mechanics thought it wasn't true but went along with the trial. I thought that it did prolong the Ford industrial engine a little longer than the thinner oil. This was 50 weight versus 30 weight. Any way I quit auguring the point and solved the problem, as I understood it, by changing the engine to a Perkins diesel, which was easier to keep the dirt out of. Fun in a big Canadian aluminum smelter!

  • @rotorhead5000
    @rotorhead5000 Před 10 měsíci +72

    The interesting thing to remember is when looking at oil pressure, is that pressure is actually the measurement of two things combined; flow, and resistance to flow. In theory, due to easier pumping, the thinner oil will generate less pressure (as we saw here) and a lot of people see that as less protection. I look at it as more that the oil generates less resistance, creating greater flow, making it so you have more fresh oil being pumped into your bearings, so as long as you arent overcoming your film strength based on the size of a given oil molecule, you are better pulling heat our of your journals, which can only be a benefit to engine longevity. The ring seal thing is a whole other kettle of fish i hadnt considered however.

    • @davemcewen9991
      @davemcewen9991 Před 10 měsíci +2

      You could only be sure of that if you did a volume flow test of the oil at all temps and pressures.

    • @96cr
      @96cr Před 10 měsíci +6

      the problem with the thinner oil is it literally breaks down and allows alot of wear in the name of emissions and mpg alot of the newer engines are not lasting as long as the late 90's and 2000's engines that had 5w30 spec'd

    • @rotorhead5000
      @rotorhead5000 Před 10 měsíci +4

      @96cr It doesn't break down any quicker, it's just that the oil molecule cluster is smaller, so it gets squished of the journals easier, especially at slower engine speeds when it's not making the same pumping volume. In very modern engines with a variable geometry oil pump, it's less of a big deal because they can compensate for the low rpms, in something a little older, not so much.

    • @TassieLorenzo
      @TassieLorenzo Před 10 měsíci +4

      @@96cr It's all relative! You seem to be inferring that 5W30 is thick oil, whereas many would say it's already too thin and they prefer to run 10W40, 10W50, 10W60 etc. It all depends, doesn't it? Friction vs film strength, etc.
      Penrite in Australia even sell a "30W70" -- this is an extrapolated grade since neither 30W or SAE 70 engine oils officially exist!
      Generally 0W20, 0W16 & 0W8 (noting that previously it was just SAE 20 for everything under 9.3 cSt , and SAE 16 and SAE 8 are just further subdivisions which have been added) are going to be specced for "eco" cars like the Toyota Prius for maximum fuel economy on the assumption the engine will never be driven hard and the oil will never get particularly hot.

    • @bradhaines3142
      @bradhaines3142 Před 10 měsíci +1

      @@TassieLorenzo the new toyotas actually have 0w-8 now

  • @jamesmedina2062
    @jamesmedina2062 Před 10 měsíci +43

    I just wanted to mention that not only does a thicker oil seal the rings better but they also keep fuel out of the oil better for some reason. My direct injection pushes more fuel into crankcase with thinner oils and also the fuel reduces protection so I use thicker than suggested spec oil.

    • @wydopnthrtl
      @wydopnthrtl Před 10 měsíci +2

      Good point!

    • @sandasturner9529
      @sandasturner9529 Před 10 měsíci +1

      You've got a good head on your shoulders

    • @duckwacker8720
      @duckwacker8720 Před 10 měsíci +4

      A lot of new factory engines have low tension rings.

    • @jamesmedina2062
      @jamesmedina2062 Před 10 měsíci +2

      @@duckwacker8720 well it's a relationship: dynamic moving piston + cylinder walls. Some get the job done and some don't. Its a balancing act as usual.

    • @notsureyou
      @notsureyou Před 9 měsíci +1

      I'm not sure what the owners manual says for your car,
      But most give a range of oil viscosities that can be used.
      Though some do not, and using a thicker oil can..... and will damage the engine.
      For example the 4 cylinder non-hybrid Camry (not sure about the Hybrid), last I heard......
      The oil pump was tuned for 0W16 (from memory it's electrically driven, not mechanically), with the owners manual stating that in an emergency the oil can be topped up with 0W20
      But at the next oil change 0W16 must be used.
      From memory and from what I remember reading online, some people didn't realise this and were using 5W30......
      It did not end well.......

  • @AlanRoehrich9651
    @AlanRoehrich9651 Před 10 měsíci +14

    In some racing, it is common, and proven to work. Changing both viscosity and the amount of oil, to lower the ET. We can drop two viscosity levels and use 1-2 fewer quarts of oil and see a substantial change. It's part of what we call "switching from bracket mode to heads up mode."

    • @electronsmove
      @electronsmove Před 10 měsíci +3

      In a previous episode, engine masters proved that a few quarts less oil will make a noticeable amount of more HP.

  • @user-zu2ed6ye5w
    @user-zu2ed6ye5w Před měsícem +3

    I agree, we run straight 30 wt. In our hot rod engines with .003 thou. On the mains, .002 on the rods, we use HX bearings with plus .001 thou. Clearance, or grind the crank to our specs. !

  • @nofilter2091
    @nofilter2091 Před 10 měsíci +5

    very interesting video. I really didn't think there was going to be that much of a gain in power just due to the oil temperature, it really made a fair difference. Thanks for putting that together guys!

  • @380.motorsports
    @380.motorsports Před 10 měsíci +13

    Bottom line takeaway for me is to run the correct viscosity oil for your engine clearances but, run it warmed up hot so it’s doing its lubrication job but allowing the most power. I think this is what racers have been doing forever even if they didn’t fully understand the science.

  • @danafaulhaber334
    @danafaulhaber334 Před 10 měsíci +3

    Awesome job with this 1.. Its amazing how much oil actually affects hp gains aswell as affecting other aspects of how well the engines run and the level of protection they receive with different types(viscosities) of oil

  • @wythetrumpet6419
    @wythetrumpet6419 Před 10 měsíci +1

    Great testing gentlemen! Thank you!

  • @Funkydood
    @Funkydood Před 20 dny +1

    I LOVED your experiment!!!

  • @pauljanssen7594
    @pauljanssen7594 Před 10 měsíci +6

    I and a few older guys were running durablend before they even came out with it, we mix are own, It worked quite well; rings love oil it make some seal producing more horsepower moving parts like synthetic oil. The Best of both worlds and the high mileage package.

  • @bryanttaylor4300
    @bryanttaylor4300 Před 10 měsíci +1

    A lot of good information in this vid. Good explanation of a complicated subject

  • @johnbehneman1546
    @johnbehneman1546 Před 10 měsíci +2

    GREAT VIDEO AND EDUCATION. THANKS FOR SHARING. O LEARNED SO MUCH.

  • @MikeyAlbertin
    @MikeyAlbertin Před 10 měsíci

    Great informative video. That Driven GP-1 oil is some good stuff.
    Thanks guys.

  • @nassimkoubeissi5814
    @nassimkoubeissi5814 Před 9 měsíci

    the best video tutorial about engine oils thank you very much 🙏

  • @proximitybeejay3673
    @proximitybeejay3673 Před 10 měsíci

    Absolutely love these uploads. Great info. I love science =)

  • @GoPetty43
    @GoPetty43 Před 10 měsíci +73

    Another thing to consider with a hydraulic cam is that thicker oil is less likely to allow the lifters to bleed down. That means you get more lift with thicker oil. I'd be interested to see what happened with the same test using solid lifters.

    • @michaelgallwey6748
      @michaelgallwey6748 Před 10 měsíci +5

      This was the comment I was just about to make. I wonder how much of that bot at the top end is due to lifters

    • @chehystpewpur4754
      @chehystpewpur4754 Před 10 měsíci +3

      another thing thats always sealed my choice in oils. shear strength. it sounds funny but its crucial. think about gear lube its super thick and takes the worst abuse its highly resistant to shear forces. oil does the same as it thickens usually. so 5w-30 has a much weaker shear strength that 10w-30 and its really not much thicker of an oil. 10w-30 also has better stiction so it stays in the top of the engine better than thinner oils so it has atleast an oil film on cold starts that also have the most damaging forces.
      many noisy engines on startup quiet down with 10w-30 because its preventing damage.
      i always run good quality synthetic oil and my motors almost always look great inside whenever their opened up. one of them the oil was always honey color at the end of its oil changes and that thing only knew abuse.

    • @jamesmedina2062
      @jamesmedina2062 Před 10 měsíci +2

      @@chehystpewpur4754Just remember two things. One is that the bottle label is somewhat meaningless. It pays to look at the hot and cold viscosity specs. 2nd is that one model of oil can have better flow and also offer higher shear strength than another oil that is "thicker". The HTHS index answers this question as do tests you can run at home and wear scar tests a few people have run on the models of oil you are looking at.

    • @anvilsvs
      @anvilsvs Před 10 měsíci +2

      They don't bleed down rapidly enough for viscosity to make ANY difference in lift when the engine is running.

    • @chehystpewpur4754
      @chehystpewpur4754 Před 10 měsíci

      @@jamesmedina2062 hmm it seems you were too busy looking for what i said wrong to see what i said. good quality oil. so basically all you said is what i already fingered out. run what you need. not garbage.

  • @6spd85notch
    @6spd85notch Před 10 měsíci +2

    I was driving my mustang earlier today 10.5:1 347 , 6 spd, 4.30s and noticed when it has been running for a while with 20w50 in it it seems happy . Oil temp is at around 200-210 degrees and water temp at 170-180. It was around 80 degrees outside. I was sort of thinking it would be hot but it definitely seems happy and running really good. Derale dual fans and champion radiator.

  • @Cravz69
    @Cravz69 Před 10 měsíci +11

    I just switched to this (GP1) from the driven HR4.
    Running 20W - 50 in a small block stroker with high compression. So far so good.
    It also has a light green tint to it, which, for me, is easier to read on the dipstick.

    • @XxMusclecarsxX
      @XxMusclecarsxX Před 9 měsíci +1

      I like 20w50 because it sticks to parts. That's what I run and when I disassembled my 302, I was surprised how all the pushrods were coated with oil

    • @bcubed72
      @bcubed72 Před 9 měsíci +2

      @@XxMusclecarsxX And you aren't gonna take the hot rod out on salty winter roads, so overly thick oil in January isn't as much of a concern as it would be on a daily.

    • @inductionbyforce8656
      @inductionbyforce8656 Před 8 měsíci

      What exactly are you happy with about that oil. If you put super tech oil in you wouldn’t have and change at least you can tell so what is it exactly that you like about it other than feeling the need to comment without having some proof or a change that happens

  • @maximilianlindner
    @maximilianlindner Před 10 měsíci

    Great Episode. I learned a lot

  • @miwago
    @miwago Před 10 měsíci +5

    The correct oil level in your crankcase will give you far more horsepower than thinner oil. 35 years of swinging a wrench: oil level in the middle of the add/full range = perfect.
    Heavier oil complementing ring seal is very real, so is high rpm scouring and scoring protection from higher film strength oils.

  • @eclipsegst9419
    @eclipsegst9419 Před 10 měsíci +3

    Full syn 5w40 in everything is the way to go. 5w for winter starts, 40 for summer heat. Buy it gallon jugs for everything and save.

  • @bradwilliams4921
    @bradwilliams4921 Před 10 měsíci +28

    I wonder what the hp and torque difference would be, if any, between conventional oil and synthetic oil of the same weight.

    • @Splagnate
      @Splagnate Před 10 měsíci +3

      Steve crème brûlée has something on the back of his head

  • @tc05698
    @tc05698 Před 10 měsíci

    I love these types of videos!

  • @skynetsworld
    @skynetsworld Před 10 měsíci

    Very interesting. Thank you. 👍

  • @PatrickRich
    @PatrickRich Před 10 měsíci +31

    I've noticed a difference in my high mile Toyota with thicker. Overseas the recommended viscosity is 10-40 but with us spec is api energy conserving 5-30. When i run thicker oil i notice slightly better power and i think it's because of ring seal on an old engine

    • @Rusty90
      @Rusty90 Před 10 měsíci +7

      Same. I run 10w40 in my 22re and it’s way smoother than 5w30/10w30. I pretty much run 10w40 in everything I’ve ever owned

    • @kskip4242
      @kskip4242 Před 10 měsíci +5

      Use 0w40 Mobil 1...your welcome.

    • @jamesmedina2062
      @jamesmedina2062 Před 10 měsíci

      @@kskip4242or LiquiMoly 0w40 even better still

    • @earlscheib7754
      @earlscheib7754 Před 10 měsíci

      ​@@kskip4242I was a mobil 1 believer until I had two cars consume m1 and didn't burn a drop of Kendall, Castrol, Pennsoil/shell .

    • @slowyota_rolla
      @slowyota_rolla Před 10 měsíci +2

      ​@kskip4242 how about 5w40 ? I got a 1zz with 260k km up north and it's starting to burn a bit. Would there be any downsides going to 5w40 from 5w30?

  • @kendigjl
    @kendigjl Před 10 měsíci +5

    This isn't hard to understand, because it's 2023, and I'm 51 years old and have always been interested in mechanical stuff. 100 years from now (if CZcams still exists), people will look back at this type of knowledge like it was something special.

  • @rubyr.4812
    @rubyr.4812 Před 10 měsíci +5

    Interesting! Good test!
    Oil pumps use a lot of power at high pressure... My next step would be to adjust the oil pump relief to find the lowest safe oil pressure for less drag.
    I went from 70 psi to 45 psi on my boosted 389" SBC and I could feel the difference in the seat of the pants and it picked up about 1 mpg on the street.

  • @laughingatlife7100
    @laughingatlife7100 Před 10 měsíci +1

    Thank you David this is something that I have wondered about . I enjoyed this particular show alot. Thank You 🫶🛻

  • @hayneshvac2
    @hayneshvac2 Před 10 měsíci +33

    I think what we all want to know is...At what mileage should you increase the viscosity of your oil due to engine wear to help preserve or extend engine life, and does that even contribute at all.

    • @Adierit
      @Adierit Před 10 měsíci +17

      You're on a topic that the manufacturer doesn't even supply data for, as they want you to use the same oil right until it blows up. My rule of thumb is if it starts leaking/burning it, I tend to go a little thicker then what was originally in it.

    • @hayneshvac2
      @hayneshvac2 Před 10 měsíci +4

      @@Adierit very true, but assuming that engine wear is a thing, and that bearing tolerances might change with age, could a heavier viscosity help extend engine life considering he did mention that different tolerances require different viscosities. Although technically the answer would be yes, some testing and verification would be nice to see. Basically the science to back up this common knowledge.

    • @electronsmove
      @electronsmove Před 10 měsíci +6

      I use warm engine at idle oil pressure versus oil pressure under load while driving. When you see a big change and the oil is not a nice amber color, you need an oil change as the viscosity of the oil has been reduced by age or contamination.
      As the engine ages and wears, both idle and under load oil pressure will start to drop. Increasing oil viscosity will bring the pressure back up.
      If the oil is right for the engine, the oil pressure will not change significantly from low rpm idle to driving under load.
      Thicker oil will benefit or at least cause no harm to most engines to a point unless they are used in sub zero conditions.
      Most engines will work fine with oil from 30 to 50 sae.
      The critical point is to maintain a liquid barrier between engine components.
      Watch your oil pressure under normal daily driving and use it as a base line.

    • @lexeriw
      @lexeriw Před 10 měsíci +9

      I have a motorcycle old ninja 650R (2008) with 34000km and started to use some oil. Still has 240PSI on each cylinder and pull like crazy. But when I was running the specified 10w40 oil they valve train was really noisy and the oil consumition was like 300-350ml @ 1000km. With 10w50 now the engine is less noisy and the oil consumition dropped to 200-250ml @ 1000km.
      Something cool about Kawasaki they specified five different oil viscosity on the service manual that you can use depending on the weather condition and 10W50 is between the recommend oil

    • @johnchristopher3032
      @johnchristopher3032 Před 10 měsíci +1

      ​@@lexeriwThat's really cool they do that for us.

  • @brassmonkey7566
    @brassmonkey7566 Před 10 měsíci +2

    I live in Florida always run 20-50 in all my old cars with no thermostat currently have a 2.2 s-10 with worn rings works great!

  • @TEAMWRIGHTEOUS
    @TEAMWRIGHTEOUS Před 10 měsíci +3

    We run lots of different viscosities, depending on the application. I've ran Alisyn

  • @Orf45
    @Orf45 Před 10 měsíci +2

    I always wonder if Freiberger has a teleprompter. He speaks so well and so clearly . If he is speaking from notes off the top of his noggin....he is even more clever than I figured he already was. I always love the content and learn tons every time. Thanks so much!

    • @lepus6511
      @lepus6511 Před 10 měsíci +1

      I think it's mostly all him. He's a great public speaker/announcer at drag week, zip tie drags, etc. as well and I don't see how he could possibly have a teleprompter for those. But he project does have some bullet points to read and fills in the space around it

  • @AtticAZ
    @AtticAZ Před 10 měsíci +2

    Great episode

  • @knurlgnar24
    @knurlgnar24 Před 10 měsíci +2

    This is one of the most informative videos you've ever done. I've been preaching this forever and not a single person seems to hear me. Lower viscosity for fuel economy, higher for lifetime and power.

  • @craigg4246
    @craigg4246 Před 10 měsíci +10

    I wish you had mentioned what the viscosity index is on that oil. A synthetic blend oil will be 80-85% group 2 oil, with 15-20% group 3 hydrocracked oil added. With a viscosity index somewhere between 100 to 120. I would like to see this same test repeated with a group 4 PAO oil and a group 5 ester based oil with viscosity indexes in the 175 to 200+ range.

    • @jimn.9990
      @jimn.9990 Před 7 měsíci

      Amsoil said that they tested every synthetic-blend oil in the marketplace, where they found the actual the percentage of synthetic oil (Group III) was anywhere from a low of 1% to a high of 15%. Buyer beware!

  • @kingfam228
    @kingfam228 Před 10 měsíci

    Love this show

  • @seancollins9745
    @seancollins9745 Před 10 měsíci +3

    I run 5w30 mobil 1 in my ls turbo motor, it makes a sally 1400hp on pump gas turning 8800rpm,. bearings look new every time I freshen.

  • @dexter2433
    @dexter2433 Před 10 měsíci +4

    in my air cooled bike I run 20w50 just because it is hitting 110deg here in Texas so if it is getting over 212 deg I want that little extra chance it will not allow parts to touch ..when it gets cold will drop back to 10w40

  • @gordowg1wg145
    @gordowg1wg145 Před 10 měsíci +8

    The ring seal theory could be confirmed if you do blow-by monitoring during the testing.

  • @lmasucci
    @lmasucci Před 10 měsíci +3

    Being that I have bushed pressure fed roller lifters, I'll stay with the thinnest oil that gives me the Hot pressure I want. I think that the thinner oil feeds that space which is very small between the bushed outer and the steel pin. I've also noticed that if I use a thick oil my oil temp is a little higher in the pan. I like my HOT idle @1100rpm about 25lbs. if I touch the throttle it quickly increases. I'm good with that.

  • @blueduck9409
    @blueduck9409 Před 2 měsíci

    I saw a display and sat thru a briefing about oil weight. I saw that 5-30 was better than 10-30. That was for engines that require a 30 weight oil. The demonstration was impressive. This was 20 years ago.

  • @calevel
    @calevel Před 7 měsíci

    Great confirming test! I alway rule for thicker oil in this built engines.

  • @dailygiftsforever
    @dailygiftsforever Před 10 měsíci +3

    What matters most is breakdown, temperature and application... when selecting an oil for an engine.

  • @themotoroilgeek
    @themotoroilgeek Před 10 měsíci +1

    Nice job Frieberger!

  • @tadeckel5053
    @tadeckel5053 Před měsícem

    I remember learning about hydronamic lubication in tech. Also the rod spinning in opposite direction as journal creates it's own pressure as long as enough volume. The wedge effect provides a cushion. Been a while since I thought of this.

  • @ldnwholesale8552
    @ldnwholesale8552 Před 10 měsíci +2

    30 years ago I went to Mobil1. 25/50. Which ofcourse flows so much better when cold. Dry sumped 355 Chev I had to put a softer pressure relief spring in the pump or it had near 100 psi cold. It ran 55psi warm,, oil temps were down 20F. This with 1.8-2 thou down the crank. It uses less power to turn the pump, less oil temp than my previous Pennzoil. Later on I used 15/40 and it made no difference, this a 12-1 7500 rpm n/a engine. I have used Mobil1, Shell, Penrite [Australian] and Valvoline synthetic oils and change it less regularly than mineral oil.
    Initially I was told no good with roller cams,, it did a lot of race km with no issue. 2000 km and the bearings looked new,, unfortunatly the crank was cracked. That is NOT an oiling issue at all. A good synthetic oil is superior to mineral oil or semi synthetics, They are fine for normal roadcars unless you work them very hard towing or racing.

  • @keithkeller698
    @keithkeller698 Před 10 měsíci +2

    I feel really good about running 10/40 in my marauder and 20/50 in any push rod engine. The epa for what ever reason is pushing thinner oil and if you shop at Walmart 20/50 and 10/40 is hard to get. Ford retroactively now recommends 5w/20 in everything that's a business decision not a decision from anyone that cares about your engine.

  • @aaronvandenberg2416
    @aaronvandenberg2416 Před 10 měsíci +2

    On tight clearance LS6 I dynod with 20/50 and then changed to 5/30. 2 pulls each and gained 14hp with the 5/30

  • @thomasburke7995
    @thomasburke7995 Před 10 měsíci +3

    Worked for a huge logistics company for 30 years. This is what maintenance told me.. run the recommended oil viscosity for climate/season temps. The reason is this . The oil jets and orifices are designed to provide a certian rage or flow per minute. If you go thicker of thinner you will actually starve the surfaces of oil . The company purchased 250 power u its with Cummings 16l engines. The recommended oil was 5-40 . Because of the huge stock pile and older units maintenance was instructed to use the 15-40 . After about 650k miles these new units started having issues. Cummings discovered that the wrong oil wieght was being used. Every single engine was DENIED a warranty claim. That was a 25, 000,000 million dollar mistake.

  • @scrotiemcboogerballs1981
    @scrotiemcboogerballs1981 Před 10 měsíci +2

    I personally run 15/40 rotella diesel oil in everything I own from my lawnmower to my Dakota truck it’s a great oil my main belief is you need to change your oil close to the rated intervals that the oil recommends but changing your filter is a must and it doesn’t hurt to change it and run the old oil to get a little extra life out of it I would only do it because I’m to broke to afford the oil but filters are only a couple dollars but everyone is there own master do what you want this is only my personal preference

  • @hughdudley1792
    @hughdudley1792 Před 10 měsíci

    Glad to see somebody prime the oil filter..

  • @catherineoneill1420
    @catherineoneill1420 Před 10 měsíci +9

    This was very informative about oil and what the numbers mean. I have an old Chev pickup with an original Chev 235ci 6cyl and I am guessing that the clearances are all higher than newer engine specs. Does that mean that I should be using a higher overall oil viscosity? I currently use 20w50. Thanks for this episode! Brian

    • @ScooterLee-ei1ep
      @ScooterLee-ei1ep Před 10 měsíci +2

      Pull it apart and check clearance. That will let you know what oil to use

    • @jonvenden4284
      @jonvenden4284 Před 10 měsíci +2

      Driven has a chart for oil weight based on bearing clearances. My bone stock 1995 460 will shear oil from heat with these 5 weight oils. Even Rotella diesel oil 15 weight oil it will shear it. So my bearing clearances are wide enough that my guess is that I would need 20 weight oil. Right now it gets monograde Rotella T1 30 weight. With this oil my fuel economy picked up a few tenths. It isn't building frictional heat from a lack of oil pressure in lighter multi weight oil.

    • @catherineoneill1420
      @catherineoneill1420 Před 10 měsíci

      @@ScooterLee-ei1ep thanks for the reply. I think I will check the original engine build clearance specs which will give me a starting point and go from there as the miles build up to make changes. It runs great right now so don't think a pull apart is in the immediate future. B

    • @ldnwholesale8552
      @ldnwholesale8552 Před 10 měsíci

      IF the engine is serviceable, eg in decent condition yes you should. Old and fumy with less oil pressure straight 50

    • @Texassince1836
      @Texassince1836 Před 10 měsíci

      The 235 called for 10W30 in the original owners manual, Or SAE20 if you used a single viscosity oil.

  • @BenKlassen1
    @BenKlassen1 Před 7 měsíci

    Good video!

  • @lutomson3496
    @lutomson3496 Před 10 měsíci +3

    what is not mentioned is the types of oil at different viscosities lubricity, etc....they are using the same brand which is great, at the same time different oils, with different weights, have variances nice video

  • @mattbauckman9907
    @mattbauckman9907 Před 10 měsíci +14

    I’ve read many articles from oil engineers and gurus and the general consensus is, for bone stock engines, is that thinner oil is better and to run as thin an oil as possible. The reason being that thinner oil dissipates heat better and gets to moving parts faster, especially in modern engines with overhead cams etc. Of course there are exceptions such as the case of my tired worn out original 396 which burns oil badly with anything less than 20w50 or straight 50 weight.

    • @Resistculturaldecline
      @Resistculturaldecline Před 10 měsíci +4

      With modern oil pumps that are variable, yes. With mechanical oil pumps, the thicker oil moves to your parts at the same speed because the pump is positive displacement, and fluid doesn't compress. Just imparts more stress on the pump, and puts the oil filter into bypass more often upon start up.

    • @LTVoyager
      @LTVoyager Před 10 měsíci

      @@ResistculturaldeclineYou are forgetting the oil pressure regulation valve. Thick oil will build pressure faster and higher when cold and will open the pressure regulation valve. This means less oil going through the engine and more getting bypassed back into the oil pan. So, your conclusion is wrong. Thinner oil will absolutely get circulated through the engine faster than a thick oil during cold start.

    • @Resistculturaldecline
      @Resistculturaldecline Před 10 měsíci

      @@LTVoyager I spoke directly to that with the bypass valve. The bypassed oil goes into circulation through the engine, just unfiltered.

    • @LTVoyager
      @LTVoyager Před 10 měsíci +1

      @@Resistculturaldecline No, you confused the bypass in the oil filter with the pressure regulation valve in the oil pump itself or in the engine block on some designs. Completely different components with different purposes.

    • @Resistculturaldecline
      @Resistculturaldecline Před 10 měsíci

      @LTVoyager I was mentioning upon start-up. The pump regulator, being about 5x the psi rating of the oil filter bypass should all be well and good unless the oil viscosity is grossly incorrect for the cold temps, or if someone cranks up a cold engine and goes smashing on it right away. Otherwise, a simple start up with a reasonable viscosity range should not bypass at the pump, or bypass enough to create any issue as an engine at start-up rpm only needs around 10lbs - 15lbs oil pressure.

  • @leonardhirtle3645
    @leonardhirtle3645 Před 10 měsíci

    I had an old 1975 Oldsmobile delta 88. It was worn out. I used straight 30 weight oil in it for over 2 years because it was free where I worked. The only time it was a problem was in the winter if the temperature dropped below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The lifters would rattle some on start up.

  • @mzaaimabakar243
    @mzaaimabakar243 Před 3 měsíci

    Brilliant

  • @moon-light1354
    @moon-light1354 Před 10 měsíci +3

    Thanks for all your work, Toyota states to use 0-16 to 0-20. but given some warmer climates and stop and go driving which can be hard on oil wouldn't a 0-30 be more beneficial for longevity of the engine, I realize they claim a lighter oil is more fuel efficient and bearing clearances are very tight, would it be harmfull to use a 0-30, I have noticed that people in the know go back and forth about this, even Toyota mechanics .

  • @looneylonzo28
    @looneylonzo28 Před 8 měsíci +1

    The problem with lab testing is they are generally using a brand new engine so everything is based on a brand new engine, but once a vehicle gets broken in everything gets seated in the engine. you start putting mileage on it I believe the viscosity should change because your clearances are going to change.

  • @SkaBob
    @SkaBob Před 10 měsíci +2

    I see a lot of people running oil that's too heavy. You don't need 20-50 or 20-40 in a street car, when it's cold it's eating up HP and gas mileage and putting a huge load on the oil pump drive shaft and timing chain (if driven from the camshaft) with no benefit. It may even overload the oil bypass valve when using a plus size oil pump and could blow the filter or cause oil leaks. Even hot 40/50 is more then what's usually needed unless they have low oil pressure, in that case it's just a bandaid and not fixing the cause like worn bearings. Cold oil will always be heavy enough to make more then enough pressure, I run 0-30 in my turbo subarus to reduce cold engine load and help get oil to the turbo.

  • @shadymaint1
    @shadymaint1 Před 10 měsíci +2

    Used to work with a guy that put some 15w40 in his Honda CRX because it was free. Within a week he drained it out and went back to the specified oil. He said the car would jot get out of its own way with the thicker oil.

  • @blazerevo
    @blazerevo Před 10 měsíci +4

    Great test and insights! Maybe next to investigate is whether different oil blends (i.e mineral vs semi synthetic vs full synthetic) with same oil weightage has an impact on power and torque output?

    • @0Sirk0
      @0Sirk0 Před 10 měsíci +1

      Just use full syn
      Unless your engine predates science

    • @proxypanda4156
      @proxypanda4156 Před 10 měsíci

      ​@@0Sirk0mineral oil is said to have better cleaning properties and runing full synth on an engine that isnt spec for it can ruin oil seals and wont burn as well like mineral oil.

    • @TassieLorenzo
      @TassieLorenzo Před 10 měsíci

      Yes! It would be interesting to see if the synthetic racing oils with bucket loads of moly in them (e.g., Redline, Motul 300V, Royal Purple, Mobil 1 4T Racing etc) live up to the hype of reducing friction. Of course you can get mineral racing oils with lots of moly in them too (if you're old school or for rotaries^?). ^ Synthetic vs mineral oil in a rotary is a quite a controversial subject in it's own right!

    • @TassieLorenzo
      @TassieLorenzo Před 10 měsíci

      @@proxypanda4156 "runing full synth on an engine that isnt spec for it can ruin oil seals" Seal compatibility has generally been fixed since the early synthetics of the 70's/80's. "mineral oil is said to have better cleaning properties" Oils like Pennzoil Platinum Ultra (gas to liquid base stock) are very good at keeping dirt in suspension, but whether that's the base stock or the detergent package I'm not sure. I'm pretty sure PAO is excellent at cleaning engines too.

  • @PrincessTS01
    @PrincessTS01 Před 10 měsíci +3

    one thing i know is that on a hot day in LA the oil gets hot and then the psi decreases when your at a stop light to scare you at each light

    • @flinch622
      @flinch622 Před 3 měsíci

      If oil temp is 240, think about an oil cooler. At 245, install one. Many engines have aftermarket filter adapters available with a built in thermostat to help manage things. Oil does well around the 220 mark most cases, but... additive packages vary, and are near impossible to discuss because of proprietary formulations.

  • @brettanderson6743
    @brettanderson6743 Před 10 měsíci +7

    I think thicker oil would probably have an effect on lifters holding lash at higher rpm especially on worn components.

    • @kirilakmadjov8307
      @kirilakmadjov8307 Před 10 měsíci +1

      Would hate to say it but probably not, if that check valve is fucked it wouldnt matter.if the check valve is healty it wouldnt let any liquid pass through it doesent matter oil or water

  • @GJ-DT
    @GJ-DT Před 10 měsíci

    It's very good numbers for that motor.

  • @WarriorsPhoto
    @WarriorsPhoto Před 10 měsíci +1

    Very cool tests.
    I am wondering why my car runs a 5w-30 now?

  • @anndyman72
    @anndyman72 Před 10 měsíci +3

    Finally someone primes their oil filter too! I'm not the only one!

    • @PullStartStables
      @PullStartStables Před 10 měsíci +1

      That’s always been my practice as well. I just love (hate) when a filter is installed at a 45 or flat and I can’t filler’up!

    • @psycho-nutkase9233
      @psycho-nutkase9233 Před 10 měsíci

      But when you do you put the oil in the already filtered spot.

    • @PullStartStables
      @PullStartStables Před 10 měsíci +1

      @@psycho-nutkase9233 the oil is as clean as it’ll ever be coming out of the jug 👍

    • @leftyo9589
      @leftyo9589 Před 10 měsíci

      @@psycho-nutkase9233 its new clean oil.........................

  • @Jesus-zy5wt
    @Jesus-zy5wt Před 10 měsíci +1

    So adding 15w-40 on my lil 305 was a good idea 👍🏻

  • @motorbitch69
    @motorbitch69 Před 10 měsíci +10

    Great video but yes.... appears to be engine specific. Mod motors love the thin oil with the cam phasers and vct, makes them work easy and actuate fast. When Ford went to 5/20 early on (from 5/30 or 10/30) all the purists had a conniption fit and refused to run that thin oil, said they would stick to the 5/30, 10/30 they've always used. We started getting crown vic's, mustangs, even 4v cobras in under warranty with misfire issues.... Turns out the heavy oil was causing excessive lifter pump up and holding the valves from sealing as tolerance was for 0/20 or 5/20 NOT 10/30 or otherwise. I think the ford GT we had to order 0/50 just for that car but don't remember exactly. Not all motors will like the heavier oil, use caution.

    • @brucek.hoffman5868
      @brucek.hoffman5868 Před 10 měsíci +1

      if i remember correctly f/wut i hav read, " 5w50 " oil 4 ford sum engines, shears down the oil 2 a 30 weight in a few thousand miles... i used m1 years ago, 1976 2 b xact, it was GONE in a couple months, well down 3 qts, NOT a drop on dipstik, quickly filled it w/3 qts of stp 20w50 i had in garage... car ran just fine w/no diff in oil pressure... now i use AMSOIL & get great mpg...

    • @electronsmove
      @electronsmove Před 10 měsíci +1

      ...My mustang seems to vary a lot for some reason. I think the oil press sending unit might be installed in a weird place or be obstructed. Like from 10 psi at idle up to 60 psi and varies quickly with throttle position. Very weird. But you raise a good point. I had not thought of the cam phasing.

  • @D3thM3tal
    @D3thM3tal Před 10 měsíci +10

    Heck yeah - I'd like to see how oil pressure effects horsepower. Will a ton of pressure free up power or hurt it? What about bearing life? I'll keep running Rotella 20-50 in my boosed LS engines in the mean time... fantastic work.

    • @wiktorjachyra1869
      @wiktorjachyra1869 Před 10 měsíci +1

      Only oil pressure but oil volume....cuz you can either get a high pressure pump or a high volume pump

    • @michaelmoffit1423
      @michaelmoffit1423 Před 10 měsíci +3

      Power is pressure multiplied by flow. Which is your pumping loss. So the best oil viscosity is one that had the minimum required flow at the minimum pressure to float the crank and rods. Assuming ring seal is adequate.

    • @kylehorn09
      @kylehorn09 Před 10 měsíci +3

      they tested that already, higher oil pressure makes less power. in a nut shell. if you were a power miser, you would run only as much oil pressure you need to keep from ruining the bearings under load.

    • @D3thM3tal
      @D3thM3tal Před 10 měsíci

      @@wiktorjachyra1869 DOD pumps for LS engines do both...

    • @richb.4374
      @richb.4374 Před 10 měsíci

      Engine masters did a video about oil volume in the pan and proved on the dyno that less oil actually makes a little more power. The windage of the oil being splashed around by the crank costs a few horsepower.

  • @jimmysealander7453
    @jimmysealander7453 Před 10 měsíci +4

    As a sidenote, thick oil will "help" not only to ring seal but also valve seal and seal overall. My dad used to run 80w-90 in his clapped out SAAB v4 since it wouldn't hold regular engine oil. It prolonged the oilfills from hours to days, smelled so you could trow up though...

    • @V8Lenny
      @V8Lenny Před 10 měsíci +1

      You know that 80W90 is something like 15W40 engine oil ?

    • @jimmysealander7453
      @jimmysealander7453 Před 10 měsíci

      Learnt something! 👍 However the stuff he used was thick as syrups! (Could have been some type industrial oil)

  • @1badsj
    @1badsj Před 10 měsíci +1

    My take away is thicker for me moving forward. I have a survivor with an original 51 year old engine that has 128K on it. I some blowby which manifests itself as crankcase pressure and resultant oil leaks at the front seal and lifting the dipstick if I have gotten on the throttle. I have run 15-40 but now I will stay with the thicker viscosity for better ring seal since this car is a cruiser not a racer.

  • @4696885415
    @4696885415 Před 10 měsíci

    Watching from Oak Cliff, TX ❤ Yellobelly

  • @bubbafats6246
    @bubbafats6246 Před 10 měsíci

    since 2006 ive used 0W-40 synthetic in every newer vehicle ive owned. never had a problem, and i live in minnesota so we get the hot humid summers and freezing cold winters.

  • @sk.stuart2702
    @sk.stuart2702 Před 5 měsíci

    What im getting from this video is the thicker oil simply helps ring seal making more power. I think in a normal daily driver application a thinner oil would be the better option or find that middle ground between there because 5-20 and 20-50 is a HUGE gap in oil viscosity and i picked up on that little nugget "thinner oil is better for performace until it comes down to ring seal"
    Also i dont think someone would be pushing their engine so hard as to NEED 20-50 unless race car applications . Great video very informative :D

  • @n5ifi
    @n5ifi Před 2 dny

    The thing that I saw that was the most interesting to me was the small variance of HP between hot and cold runs with the thinner oil as it was quite a bit more consistent. Bracket racers.......

  • @randr10
    @randr10 Před 10 měsíci +1

    I noticed that the oil ran cooler with the thicker viscosity. Could that have a positive impact on power as well?

  • @JimmyMakingitwork
    @JimmyMakingitwork Před 10 měsíci

    This is a good test for race, vintage or off road engines, but what about modern engines with variable cam timing systems, piston cooler systems and low friction ring packages?

  • @robthoreson8384
    @robthoreson8384 Před 10 měsíci

    Would you say its better to thermostatically control oil temp vs running a large external oil cooler?

  • @pb_zep3838
    @pb_zep3838 Před 10 měsíci +1

    Steve's got a retired mullet, old in the front, party in the back. JK I love ya Steve.😅😅

  • @matsudakodo
    @matsudakodo Před 4 měsíci

    Great work. Would be a good idea to do an oil analysis for fuel dilution to see if you really lost ring seal on the thin oil.

  • @bradleycrenshaw6778
    @bradleycrenshaw6778 Před 5 měsíci

    Thank you. My question is do i have to run break in oil after a cam, springs and rocker upgrade in my L59 5.3?

  • @cruisingthethaiway6881
    @cruisingthethaiway6881 Před 8 měsíci

    I've been asking this question for a while.
    Thanks for the useful information.
    BUT, I still need to know if the oil additive Ester adds HP.
    Please do a test about Ester.
    I use Motul 10w-40 7100 in my bike.

  • @micheljauvin3536
    @micheljauvin3536 Před měsícem +1

    you guy are super

  • @EGEIS9
    @EGEIS9 Před 10 měsíci +1

    So how do u know if u should increase the viscosity without damaging the motor? My s4 takes 5w-40 should I even bump up the viscosity from there?

  • @looneylonzo28
    @looneylonzo28 Před 8 měsíci +1

    I wonder a lot about oil viscosity I know that in my 08 Dodge ram with a hemi they want 5W 20 and I ran that until I hit 100,000 miles and I noticed my engine was a lot noisier during crank up and cold starts so I change the viscosity back to the 10W-30 I still use synthetic I just changed the viscosity and now I’ve got 220,000 miles on it and I’ve had zero failures zero issues. The truck hasn’t been one day in the shop other than my shop changing out the blend doors on the HVAC. i’d be curious to get some feedback on your thoughts. The workings of the Hydro dynamics of oil viscosity’s was not in the school agendas at WVOC in the late 80’s

  • @tundramanq
    @tundramanq Před 9 měsíci

    In modern VVT street engines where 0W 10 or 0W 20 are specified the pressure is regulated more and thicker oil will slow down the cam angle phaser change response time quite a bit.

  • @MSK23
    @MSK23 Před 10 měsíci +1

    This was a really good watch, very informative, but how does thick or thin oil affect the economy of a car?

    • @pauldethick6175
      @pauldethick6175 Před 10 měsíci +2

      Thinner is usually more economical which is why manufacturers have moved to lower viscosity oils such as 5w30 as it takes less effort from the engine to pump it round slightly improving economy and therefore emissions.

    • @MSK23
      @MSK23 Před 10 měsíci +1

      @@pauldethick6175 Makes sense

  • @stevenjames3356
    @stevenjames3356 Před 10 měsíci +1

    I use thick oil on my Honda the motor is worn an gets allot of blow by so if I use the recommended 5-w20 I go threw a quart of oil in about 200 miles witch I do ever two days, I run 5-w40 rn an I have to add oil once a week I noticed I get better compression too

  • @NorthG689
    @NorthG689 Před 10 měsíci

    Can u make the same video but add a prolubeoil oil treatment it will be very interesting nice video 👌🏼

  • @Booger80
    @Booger80 Před 10 měsíci +2

    How come you guys have lastnames that makes me think of food? Freiburger, Dillcich and Brule`? Just kidding! Love Engine masters!

  • @SamuelCroin
    @SamuelCroin Před 10 měsíci +2

    Thanks for posting on YT. Here in Europe we can't still subscribe to MT on demand.

    • @davidgalea6113
      @davidgalea6113 Před 10 měsíci +2

      We need to find a yank who is willing to rent and share his account for us Europeans..

    • @SamuelCroin
      @SamuelCroin Před 10 měsíci

      @@davidgalea6113 I would pay for it

  • @David-yy7lb
    @David-yy7lb Před 10 měsíci +1

    Very interesting how about a test with a engine with really worn rod and main bearings with very low oil pressure and test the different viscosity oil may effect oil pressure

  • @kaptain1477
    @kaptain1477 Před 10 měsíci +1

    I have a 2003 Ford ranger with 257k miles it leaks oil only while the engine runs. I replaced the oil pressure switch which was one of the places it was leaking oil however I still get leaks. Instead of the 5w 20 oil that is on the oil cap I put 5w 30 because since the oil is leaking while it's running have the oil be thicker at operating temperature will decrease oil leakage. Ever since I've done it the leaks has slowed down tremendously I no longer have to add more in between oil changes however is this bad for the engine?

  • @Torspd2
    @Torspd2 Před 9 měsíci +2

    Would have been really good to see the oil pressures and temperatures on a long run. Something that would be similar to multiple laps at a road course.

  • @alexandersheppard1997
    @alexandersheppard1997 Před 10 měsíci +2

    Bring roadkill back to CZcams!!!!